Sawing rigid PU & other insulation panels?

[ian maybury]

Just wondering if the typical polyurethane, polystyrene and extruded polystyrene/styrofoam insulation panels and also PVC cladding/facing can be cut to size on a panel saw. Wondering if they cut cleanly (is melting, crumbling etc an issue on any of these materials?), and does the dust pick up Ok in a dust system and not cause problems with cartridge filters? Damage to or blunting of blades? Stock universal or other?

[Rich Engelhardt]

How thick?

I use either a utility knife or a Spyderco kitchen knife.

http://www.amazon.com/SPYDERCO-Kitchen-Utility-SpyderEdge-Knife/dp/B00J2X7F9U

[Martin Wasner]

I've ripped 2" foam on a tablesaw, it worked awesome. No negatives that I can remember other than messy. You can chuck it through the blade as fast as you can push it.

[Bill McNiel]

I've used my tablesaw, skillsaw and hand saws on foam with great success. Polystyrene tends to have the little expanded beads shed more than foam. You should have no issues with your panelsaw, Definitely no melting.

[John Lankers]

Same here, on the table saw - if possible with good dust collection makes cutting it a dream.

[ian maybury]

Thanks very much guys, what i was looking for. The foam will be 50mm, type not quite finalised. (cat houses) I need to make some reabte and mitre cuts. Great to ehar that it doesn't melt on to the blade and that a decent dust system catches the inevitable mess...